Blue Star Bookkeeping · Austin, TX · Updated January 8, 2026
What Documents Do I Need to File My Taxes?
For most individual returns, you need income documents (W-2s or 1099s), identification numbers for everyone on the return, last year's return if you have it, and receipts for any deductions you plan to claim. Bringing an incomplete set is the single biggest reason a return takes longer than it should.
Income documents
W-2 forms from every employer you worked for during the year, 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC forms if you did contract or freelance work, 1099-INT/1099-DIV for bank or investment income, and any 1099-R for retirement or Social Security income.
Identification for everyone on the return
Social Security numbers or ITINs for you, your spouse, and any dependents. If a dependent does not yet have a Social Security number or ITIN, that has to be resolved before the return can be filed correctly — our office can also help with ITIN applications.
Deduction and credit documentation
Receipts or statements for things like childcare costs, education expenses, mortgage interest (Form 1098), and any major medical expenses. If you are not sure whether something qualifies, bring it anyway — it is easier to leave something out than to amend a return later.
Prior-year return
If you filed with us or with anyone else last year, having that return on hand speeds up the appointment and helps us catch anything that changed — new address, new dependents, a new job.
Common questions
What if I am missing a W-2 or 1099?
Bring what you have. We can often help you figure out how to request a missing form, or file with the information available and amend later if needed.
Do I need to bring anything if I am self-employed?
Yes — a summary of your income and business expenses for the year (or your bookkeeping records, if we handle your bookkeeping), plus any 1099-NEC forms you received.
Related service
Individual Tax Preparation →General information for Austin, TX taxpayers — not personalized tax or legal advice. Rules, thresholds, and deadlines change; confirm specifics for your situation with our office or the relevant government agency.
Ready to get started?
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation. We will answer your questions and walk you through the process.